The Victorians: Twelve Titans who Forged Britain

I am a true fan of Parliament Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg. His use of the English language is wonderful plus his wise thoughts on leaving the “dictatorial EU” is why I listen to LBC. And by the way, the book’s ok as well but was hoping for an Audible version.

I have greatly enjoyed reading this book, learning new and very interesting things about familiar characters from what is really quite recent history, and about other characters I'd not heard of. The author's writing style is very occasionally a little jarring, forcing some sentences to need an immediate second, and sometimes a third, reading for their sense to be clear. But overall, the writing flows well, and conveys empathy for the subjects, drawing attention to both their successes and failures in their work and in their attitudes. The author clearly has a liking for politicians and politics, religion and religious motivations, and cricket. I am not greatly exercised by any of these, so my choice of 12 'titans' from that period would be quite different. But I nevertheless like his selection, and enjoyed learning more about them. He has a decent respect for people, and their wide ranges of opinions and impacts. There is no sneering, no ranting, no malice - just good, plain, honest appraisal from his perspective as an admirer of Victorian achievements. And lots of interesting titbits.

Just finished. Fascinating information. The critics are got it wrong. Their reviews betray their progressive/leftist disdain for Lord Rees-Mogg.

I’ve heard this book been described as “dry” and so it reminded me of the wonderful Margaret Thatcher, as this book certainly isn’t “wet”. I am myself a history student and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Mr Rees-Mogg’s work. It lacks that monotonous, list-like droning that so many non-fiction books hold. However, having said that, I fear Mr Rees-Mogg’s work will hold no weight in a historic argument, especially if I was to cite in it one of my essays, however it would no doubt anger Marxist lecturers, so it’s well worth a mention, especially with such quotes as "none of our figures was a Socialist, aiming to cut back prosperity". So if you, unlike Jeremy Corbyn and his band of followers, respect this nation and its past, this book is definitely worth a read.

For fans of British history (or fans of Mr. Rees Moog, this is a must-have.